10 Things People From Austin Always Have To Explain To Out Of Towners

Austin is quickly becoming one of America’s top vacation cities, but there are certain quirks that make this place difficult for out of towners. If you’re a true Austinite, there’s no doubt that you’ve had to answer a few questions from tourists. These are 10 things people from Austin always have to explain to out of owners.

Don't trust the way it's spelled. Austin is full of oddly pronounced street names. As if Koenig (KAY-nig) Guadalupe (Guad-a-loop), and Manor (MAY-nor) weren't enough, we've also got the mother all weirdness: Manchaca (MAN-chack). Let's be honest, it's really easy to mess up these names.

It's sad but true. If you want to hang out underneath Hamilton Pool's trickling waterfall, you'll need to book a reservation (sometimes as much as three weeks in advance).

4. Why nobody calls the Texas-Colorado river "Lady Bird Lake"

In 2007, two weeks after Lady Bird Johnson's death, the city of Austin changed the name of Town Lake to Lady Bird Lake. For long-term Austinites, though, old habits die hard. If you're visiting Austin and can't seem to figure out where Town Lake is, look no further than the body of water south of downtown.

For a few brief, blissful months, cool breezes sweep through the Austin area. When that day comes, you'll see us flocking to outdoor patios and rooftop bars. Of course, if the temperatures ever do dip below freezing, you won't see us at all. We'll be curled up on our couch underneath fleece blankets.

Out of towners have the good fortune not to experience the Austin allergies. The stuffy nose, red eyes, and scratchy throat will surely hit you once you've lived in Austin longer than three years. Newbies: enjoy your clear sinuses while you can.

If you're looking for rodeos and cowboys, head over to Fort Worth. Austin, Texas is the land of hipsters and tech geeks. You'll see the occasional policeman on horseback, but that's as close to the wild frontier that you'll get.